CAA SCO applauds safe cycling communities

THORNHILL, ON, April 1, 2015 /CNW/ - For over a decade, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) has been working closely with both municipalities and cycling advocates across the province on ways to help make our roads safer for drivers and cyclists.

Almost 30 per cent of our members are cyclists and those numbers are expected to grow. With the growing popularity in cycling, it is important that municipalities consider all road users when building infrastructure.

CAA SCO is proud to be a sponsor of Share the Road's Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Awards. Last night, CAA SCO was on hand for the award ceremony at the Eaton Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto for the announcement of the 2015 recipients. This year's Gold, Silver and Bronze recipients include Newmarket, Thunder Bay, Blue Mountain, Peterborough and Toronto.

Communities that completed a thorough application process are judged in five categories: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, and Evaluation & Planning. A community must demonstrate achievements in each of these categories in order to be considered.

"At CAA SCO, we believe it is important to recognize the municipalities that have made the safety of all road users a top priority, and as a result, achieved this unique distinction," said Caroline Grech, Government Relations, CAA SCO.

"With the population of cyclists expected to grow in the future, we encourage municipalities to continue to invest in cycling infrastructure and safety programs," added Grech.

A 2013 survey of our members found 71 per cent of those asked would like to see the same or increased investment in cycling infrastructure by the government.

Currently, a bill focused on road safety (Bill 31) is being debated by MPPs at Queen's Park. A portion of the legislation is geared to cyclists, through a number of initiatives including efforts around paved shoulders and safety measures. The bill also focuses on expanded infrastructure, current and future.

Meanwhile, CAA's Watch for Bikes program reminds motorists to be aware of their surroundings before exiting their vehicles and to always remember to look carefully for cyclists approaching from behind.

To help further raise awareness, CAA urges drivers to place the Watch for Bikes decal on your side mirror as a reminder to check for cyclists and other traffic. For tips on how to share the road safely, visit caasco.com.

For over a hundred years, CAA has been helping Canadians stay mobile, safe and protected.  CAA South Central Ontario is one of nine auto clubs across Canada providing roadside assistance, automotive care, travel products, insurance services and member savings for more than 1.9 million members. 

SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario

Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]; or Jeff LeMoine, Communications Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].